Cost-Containment

Growth in what employers spent on premiums slowed, and overall health spending slowed even more.

"If health insurance premiums rise faster than wages and general inflation, small employers are likely to face intensified financial strain, which could accelerate the erosion of health plan sponsorship among firms with fewer than 100 workers," said Paul Fronstin, Ph.D., director of health benefits research for the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Education announced wage garnishment practices are back on hold, as the administration revamps student loan repayment plans, efforts that are expected to be finalized this summer.

“At a time when health care costs continue to soar, we are taking a stand against insulin price manipulation and fraud,” said Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.

The nation’s three primary insulin manufacturers (Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi) and three largest PBMs (CVS Caremark, Express Script and OptumRx) are named in the lawsuit.

Several other states also are taking action to help residents pay increased premiums.